These are familiar and well-loved words from the hymn written by John Newton. What else did Newton say about grace in that hymn? He wrote,

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed. …
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.’

A transforming life-changing experience
Newton knew what he was talking about. As a young man he was the ruthless and brutal captain of a slave ship. But one night he discovered the reality of God, experienced his grace and was transformed from a cruel slave-ship captain into a preacher of the good news about Jesus Christ. Grace had made a dynamic impact on his life.

I believe that Newton understood something about the grace of God that we today largely fail to grasp. We are confused about the meanings of the words love, mercy and grace in relation to the gospel. We tend to think they all mean the same basic thing; but love leads to our acceptance by God, mercy leads to our forgiveness by God, and grace, I believe, leads to a life-changing experience through God.(more…)

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Connecting with You! reflects words of encouragement from Dr Robert and Maureen McQuillan and friends.

Ministering cross-denominationally/cross-culturally, Robert and Maureen are regarded as uplifting encouragers and mentors, inspiring, challenging and blessing.

Robert and Maureen share from decades of experience and caring hearts, sensitively and meaningfully moving in the gifts of the Spirit. Their main concern is the kingdom, that Christians grow personally in Christ and that churches grow qualitatively not just numerically.